U.S. patent number 8,872,432 [Application Number 13/421,357] was granted by the patent office on 2014-10-28 for solution for dynamic lighting control.
This patent grant is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Laszlo Balazs, Bertalan Kercso, Istvan Maros. Invention is credited to Laszlo Balazs, Bertalan Kercso, Istvan Maros.
United States Patent |
8,872,432 |
Kercso , et al. |
October 28, 2014 |
Solution for dynamic lighting control
Abstract
A lighting system and method for controlling illumination of the
same upon detection of a user in at least one of a first detection
area and a second detection area. The lighting system can include a
lighting fixture having one or more lighting sources and at least
two sensors associated with separate detection areas. Each sensor
can send a signal to a controller associated with the lighting
fixture, and the controller can be configured to vary the
illumination of one or more of the lighting sources depending on
the each sensor's detection area. The present subject matter
facilitates energy savings since areas away from an occupied area
are not illuminated. Communication between neighboring lighting
fixtures is not required since each lighting fixture can detect the
presence of a user in an area proximate an adjacent lighting
fixture in order to trigger illumination of the lighting
fixture.
Inventors: |
Kercso; Bertalan (Budapest,
HU), Balazs; Laszlo (Godollo, HU), Maros;
Istvan (Budapest, HU) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kercso; Bertalan
Balazs; Laszlo
Maros; Istvan |
Budapest
Godollo
Budapest |
N/A
N/A
N/A |
HU
HU
HU |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
(Schenectady, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
47833379 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/421,357 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130241418 A1 |
Sep 19, 2013 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
315/152; 315/307;
315/155; 315/154 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B
47/115 (20200101); Y02B 20/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H05B
37/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;315/151-155,294,312,362 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2009054496 |
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2008135942 |
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Nov 2008 |
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WO |
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2010010493 |
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Jan 2010 |
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WO |
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2010100586 |
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Sep 2010 |
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WO |
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2011055259 |
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May 2011 |
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WO |
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2011098931 |
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Aug 2011 |
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WO |
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2011134003 |
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Nov 2011 |
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WO |
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Other References
Search Report and Written Opinion from corresponding PCT
Application No. PCT/US2013/026641 dated Jul. 1, 2013. cited by
applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion from PCT
Application No. PCT/US2013/030758 on Jul. 22, 2013. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Tan; Vibol
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Global Patent Operation DiMauro;
Peter T.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lighting fixture, comprising: a controller; a first sensor
configured to send a signal to the controller upon the detection of
a presence of a user in a first detection area; and a second sensor
configured to send a signal to the controller upon the detection of
a presence of a same or different user in a second detection area;
wherein the controller is configured to provide varying levels of
illumination based at least in part on the signals received from
the first sensor and the second sensor; wherein the first detection
area extends to an area proximate an adjacent lighting fixture and
wherein the second detection area is proximate an area beneath the
lighting fixture; and wherein the controller is configured provide
an output that causes the lighting fixture to have a reduced
illumination when the first sensor detects the presence of a user
in the first detection area and the second sensor does not detect
the presence of a user in the second detection area.
2. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first detection
area and the second detection area at least partially overlap.
3. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first detection
area and the second detection area are disjunctive.
4. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to provide less than full power when the first sensor
detects the presence of a user in the first detection area.
5. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising one or more
lighting sources coupled with the controller, wherein the one or
more lighting sources comprises a first lighting source and a
second lighting source, and wherein the controller is configured to
randomly illuminate either the first lighting source or the second
lighting source when the first sensor detects the presence of a
user in the first detection area.
6. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to provide an output that causes the lighting fixture to
have an increased level of illumination when the second sensor
detects the presence of a user in the second detection area.
7. The lighting fixture of claim 6, wherein the controller is
configured to provide full power when the second sensor detects the
presence of a user in the second detection area.
8. The lighting fixture of claim 6, further comprising one or more
lighting sources, wherein the one or more lighting sources
comprises a first lighting source and a second lighting source, and
wherein the controller is configured to illuminate the first
lighting source and the second lighting source when the second
sensor detects the presence of a user in the second detection
area.
9. A method for controlling illumination of an area, the method
comprising: monitoring for a presence of a user in a first
detection area with a first sensor associated with a lighting
fixture; monitoring for a presence of a same or different user in a
second detection area with a second sensor associated with the
lighting fixture; and controlling illumination of one or more
lighting sources associated with the lighting fixture via a
controller upon detection of the user in the first detection area
or the second detection area; wherein the first detection area
extends to an area proximate an adjacent lighting fixture and
wherein the second detection area is proximate an area beneath the
lighting fixture; and wherein controlling the illumination of the
one or more lighting sources comprises reducing the level of
illumination upon the detection of a user in the first detection
area and lack of detection of a user in the second detection
area.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first detection area and the
second detection area at least partially overlap.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first detection area and the
second detection area are disjunctive.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more lighting sources
comprises a first lighting source and a second lighting source,
wherein controlling the illumination of the one or more lighting
sources comprises randomly illuminating the first lighting source
or the second lighting source upon the detection of a user in the
first detection area.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the illumination of
the one or more lighting sources comprises increasing the level of
illumination upon the detection of a user in the second detection
area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to lighting generally, and more
particularly, to a lighting system and method for illuminating one
or more light sources upon detection of a user in at least one of a
first detection area and a second detection area.
B. Description of Related Art
In large buildings or outdoor spaces, it is often desirable to
provide a control system for the lighting in the building or
outdoor space in order to reduce energy costs. Currently, lighting
in an area can be controlled by various means such as from a
central location, by remote control, or by motion detection.
Centrally located lighting control systems require the integration
of sensors and lighting drivers into a dedicated
analogue/digital/communications system such as can be implemented
by the digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) protocol. This
often requires rewiring of a facility, which can be time-consuming,
disruptive to operations, and expensive. Additionally, once the
lighting control system is installed, commissioning and maintenance
are required, and this can be expensive and involves special
expertise. Moreover, the lighting control may not be automatic and
requires input in order to control the luminosity in a room.
Further, although wireless communication systems can be installed,
the lighting control is still not automatic.
Additionally, lighting in an area can be controlled by a remote
control, but this requires user input as well, and is also not
automatic. Thus, energy savings are not likely to be great. Motion
sensors can also be used to control lighting in an area to save
energy, but such a system can be characterized by abrupt on and off
cycles that do not provide continuous light to an area where a user
is present, such as when the user is at the border of the detection
area of one of the motion sensors. Therefore, while the use of a
centrally located lighting control system, a remote lighting
control system, or motion detector system can provide for some
energy savings, a lighting control system that is more energy
efficient, that does not require total rewiring of an area, that
does not require expensive maintenance, and that does not have
abrupt on and off cycles would be beneficial. Additionally, the
ability to control the lighting in an area without the need to
communicate between multiple lighting fixtures would also be
beneficial and cost effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part
in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
One exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a
lighting fixture. The lighting fixture can include a controller, a
first sensor configured to send a signal to the controller upon the
detection of the presence of a user in a first detection area, and
a second sensor configured to send a signal to the controller upon
the detection of the presence of a user in a second detection area.
The controller can be configured to control the one or more
lighting sources to provide varying levels of illumination based at
least in part on the signals received from the first sensor and the
second sensor. Before operation, one or more lighting sources can
be coupled with the controller.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method
for controlling illumination of an area. The method can include
monitoring the presence of a user in a first detection area with a
first sensor associated with a lighting fixture, monitoring the
presence of a user in a second detection area with a second sensor
associated with the lighting fixture, and controlling illumination
provided by the lighting fixture via a controller upon detection of
a user in the first detection area or the second detection
area.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed
to a lighting system. The lighting system can include a first
lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture. The first lighting
fixture can include a controller, a first sensor configured to
monitor the presence of a user in a first detection area, and a
second sensor configured to monitor the presence of a user in a
second detection area. The first detection area can extend to an
area proximate the second lighting fixture. The second detection
area can be proximate an area beneath the first lighting fixture.
The controller can be configured to control the one or more
lighting sources associated with the first lighting fixture to
provide varying levels of illumination upon the detection of a user
in the first detection area or the second detection area. Prior to
operation, one or more lighting sources can be coupled with the
controller.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with reference to the
following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting fixture that can be a
component of a lighting control system according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling illumination of
an area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a lighting system showing multiple
lighting fixtures having two detection areas according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a lighting system showing multiple
lighting fixtures having two detection areas according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present
specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the
same or analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
The present subject matter is directed to a lighting fixture, a
lighting system, and a method for controlling the illumination of
an area. The lighting system can include a lighting fixture that
can have at least two sensors associated with at least two
detection areas. The sensors can be configured to detect the
presence of a user in their respective detection areas. Each sensor
can send a signal to a controller associated with the lighting
fixture, and the controller can be configured to then vary the
level of illumination of the one or more lighting sources
associated with the lighting fixture. While two sensors are
described, it is to be understood that the use of a single sensor
with spatial resolution is contemplated, whereby the single sensor
can detect the presence of a user in more than one detection area.
The single sensor can then be configured to send multiple signals
to a controller to indicate which detections areas are
occupied.
Regardless of how many sensors are utilized, depending on where a
user is detected, the controller can illuminate a first lighting
source, a second lighting source, or both lighting sources so that
different lighting sources can be illuminated depending on the
sensor's detection area, resulting in either decreased or increased
levels of illumination. By way of another example, the controller
can illuminate one or more lighting sources at either a reduced
level or an increased level depending on the sensor's detection
area. Further, it is to be understood that each lighting source can
include an individual light bulb or groups of light bulbs based on
the desired light output.
The present subject matter allows for energy savings as remote
areas away from an occupied area are not illuminated. Communication
between neighboring lighting fixtures is not required as each
lighting fixture can detect the presence of a user in an area
proximate an adjacent lighting fixture in order to trigger the
illumination of the lighting fixture. Thus, the design does not
require wired or wireless communication between multiple lighting
fixtures. In addition, the design is simple, cost effective, and
expandable without limit.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a lighting fixture
100 that can be a component of a lighting system for dynamic
lighting control where the lighting fixture includes two lighting
sources, although it is to be understood that the present
disclosure also contemplates the use of a lighting fixture with
only one lighting source or more than two lighting sources. The
lighting fixture 100 can have a first sensor 51, a second sensor
52, a first lighting source 150, a second lighting source 152, a
first ballast 250, a second ballast 252, and a controller 350. The
lighting sources 150 and 152, for example, as well as any other
lighting sources, can be instant on and can include fluorescent
tubes, white light emitting diodes (LEDs), LED arrays that combine
white and red LEDs, a combination of fluorescent tubes and LEDs, or
any other suitable lighting sources. These lighting sources 150 and
152 can be manufactured, shipped and/or sold separately from the
lighting fixture 100. The one or more lighting sources 150 and 152
can be removably coupled with the controller 350, for example via
wiring, circuitry and/or light socket(s) that receive an end (or
ends) of the lighting sources 150, 152.
The lighting fixture 100 in FIG. 1 shows a first ballast 250
associated with the first lighting source 150 and a second ballast
252 associated with the second lighting source 152. In general,
ballasts stabilize the current through an electrical load to
provide the proper power to a component. The ballasts 250 and 252
can thus be used to regulate the power provided to each lighting
source 150 and 152 within the lighting fixture.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 100 can also include a
first sensor 51 associated with a first detection area and a second
sensor 52 associated with a second detection area. The first sensor
51 can be used to determine if a user is in a first detection area,
while the second sensor can be used to determine if a user is in a
second detection area. Based on the detection area in which a user
is detected, the controller 350 can vary the levels of illumination
from the lighting sources in the lighting fixture 100, such as
lighting sources 150 and 152, as will be discussed in more detail
below.
The sensors 51 and 52 can be motion sensors or occupancy sensors.
Motion sensors respond to walking or other movements. They perceive
movements in the selected detection zone and respond to them.
Lighting source 150, lighting source 152, or both lighting sources
can be switched on once a movement is detected by the motion
sensor. The lighting source 150, lighting source 152, or both
lighting sources can then switch off after no movement is detected
for a period of time. The use of motion sensors is recommended for
detecting moving objects outdoors or in corridors indoors, where
there is more likely to be constant movement that can be
detected.
On the other hand, sensors 51 and 52 can be occupancy sensors.
Occupancy sensors detect the presence of a user in an area instead
of detecting movements. Thus, occupancy sensors can be more
effective in areas such as offices where the user is more
sedentary, as opposed to areas such as corridors where more
movement is occurring. Numerous types of occupancy sensors exist,
including passive infrared (PIR) occupancy sensors, active
ultrasonic occupancy sensors, dual-technology passive infrared and
active ultrasonic occupancy sensors, dual-technology passive
infrared and microphonic occupancy sensors, and any other suitable
sensors.
PIR sensors function by monitoring the patterns of background heat
energy in the space where the sensor is installed. When the sensor
51 or 52 detects a significant change in the background heat
energy, it responds by automatically turning on the lighting source
150 or 152 to which it is coupled by sending a signal to the
controller 350. Then, when the background heat energy returns to a
stable condition, the sensor does not detect a significant change
in the background heat energy, and the controller 350 is then
configured to turns off lighting source 150 or 152.
Active ultrasonic occupancy sensors, meanwhile, use sound waves to
determine when a lighting source 150 or 152 should be turned on or
illuminated. These sensors broadcast sound waves at a frequency
higher than the human ear can detect, and the sound waves bounce
off walls, objects, and people. When the frequency of the sounds
waves changes when the waves return to the sensor, this is known as
the Doppler Effect, and indicates that the presence of a user in
the area has been detected. The sensor then switches into occupied
mode, activates the lighting source, and then returns to unoccupied
mode only after the sound wave frequencies stabilize.
Another option is that dual-technology sensors that use both PIR
and active ultrasonic technology can be used in large areas, in
spaces that are difficult to cover, and in spaces where maximum
reliability is important. Dual technology PIR and microphonic
occupancy sensors can also be used. The PIR part of the sensor
detects initial movement and monitors infrared activity
continuously. At the same time, a microphone monitors sound waves
and keeps the lighting source 150 or 152 illuminated until the
sound activity stabilizes. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, it should
be understood that any sensor can be used to detect the presence of
a user in an area in order to active a lighting source 150 or 152
and the examples described above should not be limiting.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 100 can also contain a
controller 350. The controller can be any device suitable for
controlling the illumination of the lighting fixture 100. For
instance, the controller can include a microcontroller,
microprocessor, or other suitable control circuit. The controller
350 can be configured to vary the illumination of the lighting
sources within a lighting fixture, such as the first lighting
source 150 and the second lighting source 152 shown in FIG. 1 based
at least in part on signals received from the first sensor 51 and
the second sensor 52. For example, lighting source 150, lighting
source 152, or both can be illuminated by the controller 350 based
on the detection of a user in a specific detection area, or they
can both be illuminated at reduced levels or increased levels based
on the detection of a user in a specific detection area.
As will be described in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 below, in one
embodiment, a first detection area can extend to an area proximate
an adjacent lighting fixture, which covers a wider detection area.
If a user is detected in the first detection area by sensor 51, the
controller 350 can then either illuminate both lighting source 150
and lighting source 152 at less than full power, or it can randomly
illuminate either lighting source 150 or lighting source 152.
Meanwhile, the second detection area can be proximate the area
beneath the lighting fixture 100, which covers a narrower detection
area. If a user is detected in the second detection area by sensor
52, the controller 350 can then illuminate both lighting sources
150 and 152 at full power. It is to be understood that the first
detection area and the second detection area can at least partially
overlap in one embodiment, while the two detection areas can be
disjunctive in another embodiment such that there is no overlap
between the two detection areas.
Regardless of the number of lighting sources used, it is also to be
understood that when a user is detected in the first detection
area, the controller can be configured to control the one or more
lighting sources to provide a reduced level of illumination,
whether it be from illuminating a random lighting source or
illuminating all of the lighting sources at less than full power.
Further, regardless of the number of lighting sources used, it is
also to be understood that when a user is detected in the second
detection area, the controller can be configured to control the one
or more lighting sources to provide an increased level of
illumination by illuminating the lighting sources at full
power.
While the present subject matter is discussed with reference to two
detection areas, two sensors, and two lighting sources within a
lighting fixture, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the
disclosures provided herein, should understand that more than two
detection areas, two sensors, and two lighting sources can be used
in conjunction with a lighting fixture without deviating from the
scope of the present disclosure.
Next, FIG. 2 shows a flow chart that is representative of a method
400 for dynamically controlling lighting in an area through use of
one or more lighting sources, two sensors, and two detection areas.
The method controls the illumination of an area (402) by monitoring
for the presence of user in a first detection area with a first
sensor associated with the lighting fixture (404) and by monitoring
for the presence of a user in a second detection area with a second
sensor associated with the lighting fixture (406). If a user is not
detected as present in the first detection area by the first sensor
(408), the system continues monitoring for the presence of a user
in the first detection area (404) until a user is detected. If a
user is detected as present in the first detection area by the
first sensor (408), the controller illuminates one or more lighting
sources so that the lighting sources are illuminated at a reduced
level (412). For example, in one embodiment, both a first lighting
source and a second lighting source can be illuminated at less than
full power by the controller. As another example, either the first
lighting source or second lighting source can be randomly
illuminated by the controller.
While the first detection area is being monitored for the presence
of a user with a first sensor (404), the method as shown monitors
the second detection area for the presence of a user as well (406).
If a user is not detected as present in the second detection area
with a second sensor (410), the system continues monitoring for the
presence of a user in the second detection area (406) until a user
is detected. If a user is detected as present in the second
detection area (410), the controller illuminates one or more
lighting sources so that the lighting sources are illuminated at an
increased level (414). For example, in one embodiment, both a first
lighting source and a second lighting source can be illuminated at
full power by the controller.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a lighting system that includes a first
lighting fixture 100, a second lighting fixture 200, and a third
lighting fixture 300. Although FIG. 3 shows three lighting
fixtures, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,
the lighting system can contain any number of lighting fixtures
with multiple sensors, multiple detection areas, and multiple
lighting sources, where at least one controller within each
lighting fixture is configured to control the illumination of the
lighting sources at decreased or increased levels depending on the
presence of a user in various detection areas. In the particular
embodiment of FIG. 3, the wider first detection areas, 101, 201,
and 301, for each of the three lighting fixtures 100, 200, and 300
are represented by dashed lines with cross-hatches. The narrower
second detection areas 102, 202, and 302 for each of the three
lighting fixtures 100, 200, and 300 are represented by dashed
lines. As can be seen from FIG. 3, each first detection area
extends into areas proximate adjacent lighting fixtures, while each
second detection area is proximate the area beneath the lighting
fixture. As also can be seen from FIG. 3, the wider first detection
areas at least partially overlap with the narrower second detection
areas.
For example, the middle lighting fixture is lighting fixture 100.
Lighting fixture 100 has a first sensor 51 (shown in FIG. 1), a
second sensor 52 (shown in FIG. 1), a first lighting source 150, a
second lighting source 152, a first ballast 250, a second ballast
252, a first detection area 101, a second detection area 102, and a
controller 350 (shown in FIG. 1). The wider first detection area
101, which is associated with sensor 51, extends into the areas
proximate adjacent lighting fixtures 200 and 300, as shown by the
wider view angle of the lines with cross-hatches. Meanwhile, the
narrower second detection area 102, which is associated with sensor
52, is the area proximate the area beneath lighting fixture 100, as
shown by the narrower view angle of the dashed lines versus the
dashed lines with cross-hatches. Thus, sensor 51 can detect the
presence of a user in areas under adjacent lighting fixtures 200
and 300, while sensor 52 can detect the presence of a user under
lighting fixture 100 only.
Referring to FIG. 3, when a user is standing under lighting fixture
100, for example, sensor 52 (shown in FIG. 1), which is associated
with the second detection area 102, will detect the user and send a
signal to the controller 350 associated with lighting fixture 100.
The controller 350 (shown in FIG. 1) associated with lighting
fixture 100 is then configured to control the one or more lighting
sources, such as lighting sources 150 and 152, to provide an
increased level of illumination. In this instance, lighting sources
150 and 152 can be illuminated at full power in such a detection
scenario. Further, both lighting sources 150 and 152 can be
illuminated when a user is detected in detection area 102.
Meanwhile, if the user moves from standing under lighting fixture
100 to standing under either lighting fixture 200 to the left or
lighting fixture 300 to the right, or if another user is detected
under either lighting fixture 200 or lighting fixture 300, sensor
51 (shown in FIG. 1), which is associated with the first detection
area 101 that can overlap with detection area 102 and also
corresponds to an area proximate adjacent lighting fixture 200 and
lighting fixture 300, will detect the user and send a signal to the
controller 350 associated with lighting fixture 100. The controller
350 (shown in FIG. 1) associated with lighting fixture 100 is then
configured to control the one or more lighting sources, such as
lighting sources 150 and 152, to provide a decreased level of
illumination. In this instance, both lighting sources 150 and 152
can be illuminated at less than full power in such a detection
scenario. As an alternative, either lighting source 150 or lighting
source 152 can be illuminated. Further, the illumination of
lighting source 150 or lighting source 152 can be random to provide
for equal use and life span of the lighting sources and ballasts
associated with lighting source 150 and lighting source 152.
Because lighting fixture 100 can use a combination of sensors 51
and 52, it is thus possible, as shown above, to illuminate the
lighting fixture 100 not only when a user is detected in the second
detection area 102 directly under the lighting fixture, but it is
also possible to illuminate the lighting fixture 100 when users are
detected in the first detection area 101 around lighting fixture
100 based on the ability of sensor 51 to detect users in areas
proximate to adjacent lighting fixtures, such as under lighting
fixtures 200 and 300. In this regard, sufficient lighting can be
achieved in an area where a user is present through the use of only
a few lighting fixtures rather than illuminating all of the
lighting fixtures in a room or space. In addition, this can be
accomplished without the need for wireless communication between
neighboring or nearby lighting fixtures based on the use of at
least two sensors in one lighting fixture that can detect the
presence of a user in more areas than the area immediately under
the lighting fixture.
In summary, the level of illumination from the lighting fixture 100
shown in FIG. 3, where the first sensor 51 and second sensor 52
overlap in their detection areas 101 and 102, can be increased or
decreased based on what each sensor detects, as shown below in
Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 FIG. 3 Lighting Output First Sensor 51
Second Sensor 52 Illumination Level On Off Decreased On On
Increased Off On N/A Off Off Zero
For example, when the first sensor 51 detects a user in the wider
first detection area 101 but the second sensor 52 does not detect a
user in the second detection area, the level of illumination is
decreased. This can be accomplished by either illuminating the one
or more lighting sources, such as lighting sources 150 and 152, at
less than full power, or by randomly illuminating one of the
lighting sources, such as by randomly illuminating either lighting
source 150 or lighting source 152.
Meanwhile, when a user is detected in both detection areas 101 and
102 by sensors 51 and 52, the level of illumination is increased.
For example, both lighting sources 150 and 152 can be illuminated
at full power, resulting in an increased level of illumination.
With the overlapping sensor configuration shown in FIG. 3, it is
not possible for a user to be detected in the second detection area
102 yet not be detected in the first detection area 101 due to the
at least partial overlap of these areas under the lighting fixture
100. In other words, if a user is detected in detection area 102 by
sensor 52, the user must necessarily be present in at least part of
detection area 101 as well. This means that there cannot be a
situation where sensor 52 has detected a user but sensor 51 has
not, and thus, the logic for the lighting output in such a
situation is shown as not applicable in Table 1 above.
Finally, if no user is detected by either first sensor 51 or second
sensor 52, all of the lighting sources, such as lighting sources
150 and 152, remain off so that the illumination level is zero.
A second possible configuration for the first and second sensors
51, 52 is that the first and second sensors 51, 52 do not have
overlapping detection areas directly under the lighting fixture
100. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 4, and the level of
illumination of the lighting fixture based on various detection
scenarios is shown in Table 2 below. In the particular embodiment
of FIG. 4, the wider first detection area 101 for lighting fixture
100 is represented by dashed lines with cross-hatches. Meanwhile,
the narrower second detection area 102 for lighting fixture 100 is
represented by dashed lines. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the first
detection area 101 is disjunctive from, or not connected
to/overlapping with, second detection area 102, and is represented
by parts 101a and 101b. The first detection area 101 reaches areas
proximate adjacent lighting fixtures, such as lighting fixtures 200
and 300, while the second detection area 102 is proximate the area
beneath the lighting fixture 100.
Referring to FIG. 4, when a user is standing under lighting fixture
100, for example, sensor 52 (shown in FIG. 1), which is associated
with the second detection area 102, will detect the user and send a
signal to the controller 350 associated with lighting fixture 100.
The controller 350 (shown in FIG. 1) associated with lighting
fixture 100 is then configured to control the one or more lighting
sources, such as lighting sources 150 and 152, to provide an
increased level of illumination. In this instance, lighting sources
150 and 152 can be illuminated at full power in such a detection
scenario. Further, both lighting sources 150 and 152 can be
illuminated when a user is detected in detection area 102.
Meanwhile, if the user moves from standing under lighting fixture
100 to standing under either lighting fixture 200 to the left or
lighting fixture 300 to the right, sensor 51 (shown in FIG. 1),
which is associated with sections 101a and 101b of first detection
area 101 that correspond to an area proximate adjacent lighting
fixture 200 and lighting fixture 300, will detect the user and send
a signal to the controller 350 associated with lighting fixture
100. As with the scenario shown in FIG. 3, the controller 350
(shown in FIG. 1) associated with lighting fixture 100 is then
configured to control the one or more lighting sources, such as
lighting sources 150 and 152, to provide a decreased level of
illumination. In this instance, both lighting sources 150 and 152
can be illuminated at less than full power in such a detection
scenario. As an alternative, either lighting source 150 or lighting
source 152 can be illuminated. Further, the illumination of
lighting source 150 or lighting source 152 can be random to provide
for equal use and life span of the lighting sources and ballasts
associated with lighting source 150 and lighting source 152.
In summary, the level of illumination from the lighting fixture 100
shown in FIG. 4, where the first sensor 51 and second sensor 52 do
not overlap in their detection areas 101 (101a and 101b) and 102,
can be increased or decreased based on what each sensor detects, as
shown below in Table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 FIG. 4 Lighting Output First Sensor 51
Second Sensor 52 Illumination Level On Off Decreased On On
Increased Off On Increased Off Off Zero
For example, as in FIG. 3, when the first sensor 51 detects a user
in the wider first detection area 101 but the second sensor 52 does
not detect a user in the second detection area, the level of
illumination is decreased. This can be accomplished by either
illuminating the one or more lighting sources, such as lighting
sources 150 and 152, at less than full power, or by randomly
illuminating one of the lighting sources, such as by randomly
illuminating either lighting source 150 or lighting source 152.
Meanwhile, when a user is detected in both detection areas 101 and
102 by sensors 51 and 52, the level of illumination is increased.
For example, both lighting sources 150 and 152 can be illuminated
at full power, resulting in an increased level of illumination.
Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 3, with the configuration
shown in FIG. 4, it is possible for a user to be detected in the
second detection area 102 yet not be detected in either section
101a or 101b of first detection area 101 because these detection
areas do not overlap under the lighting fixture 100. In such a
situation, the level of illumination is increased, as it is in the
scenario when users are detected in both detection areas.
Finally, if no user is detected by either sensor 51 or sensor 52,
all of the lighting sources, such as lighting sources 150 and 152,
remain off so that the illumination level is zero.
As shown, the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 can control the
illumination of one or more lighting sources associated with a
lighting fixture by increasing or decreasing the level of
illumination based upon the presence of a user in various detection
areas beneath or around the lighting fixture. The amount of
illumination can be controlled by illuminating the various lighting
sources at full power or at less than full power, or by controlling
the number of lighting sources that are illuminated in the first
instance. A technical effect associated with embodiments of the
invention is that it uses movement and/or occupancy sensors, with
no communication between separate light fixtures, to determine
which ballast(s) to switch on based on outputs from the movement
and/or occupancy sensors that are indicative of a presence of a
user in at least a first detection zone and a second detection
zone. Exemplary technical and/or commercial advantages over
traditional systems include, but are not limited to: a low cost,
simple installation that requires no additional wires or wireless
communication.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in
the art to practice the invention, including making and using any
devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The
patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such
other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if
they include structural elements that do not differ from the
literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal
language of the claims.
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